Book Giveaway and Toni's Review of Demon's Bride by Zoe Archer ***4 Stars***

Hell to Pay

Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn’t hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.

But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner’s trick to some members of the ton. They’ll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.

Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo’s brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart…

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When I read the first installment of the series, I could see the building blocks being laid and set.  Since Ms. Archer had accomplished that task so well in Devil’s Kiss, she released the second installment of the Hellraisers series; Demon’s Bride, full steam and doesn’t look back.

Leo Bailey was gifted from the Devil, the ability to see the future by.  All he needs is an item from a person and he can see the disasters that will plague the owner.  He then uses that knowledge for evil and personal gain.  Either pushing that person towards their inevitable disastrous future or plainly betting against them.  Leo’s passion is the exchange market and he uses his talent to control every aspect of it.  Because of his cunning and skill, he is simply known as Demon.

While Anne Hartfield may be the daughter of a baron, she knew from the very beginning her marriage to Leo was not a love match.  He dutifully wooed and courted her, but the love spark was never there.  All her hopes blossomed on her wedding night to only be crushed just as quickly.  Now she is determined to make the best of her marriage.  She will do everything in her power to win her husband’s heart.

From the first “I Do’s” things begin to change for these two people.  Neither expected what was in store for them and quickly things begin to turn.  Good, evil and other forces are converging to shape the future.  It’s too bad Leo can’t see what is ahead for himself, because he never expected to fall in love with his wife and that very well may ruin his life forever.

In my opinion, Ms. Archer has improved on the series.  I loved how Demon’s Bride had more of a sinister feeling to it.  You can’t help but hate the Hellraisers.  They are marvelously evil, encompassing all of man’s sins.  While their power may focus on one attribute, you can feel the lust, greed, wickedness and power radiating off of all them.  Ms. Archer did an outstanding job writing them with malevolence and still make them all seem human.

I enjoyed how Anne was so willing to make the best of her circumstances and didn’t cower.  She showed such strength throughout the story, when most women of that time would have crumbled.  The turmoil that she put Leo through was just as delightful.  Everyday his reserve was crumbling as he fell for Anne.

I was utterly shocked at some of the sad developments in the story.  In an odd way, I can agree with the choices that were made, though they must have been hard decisions to make for the storyline.  I am absolutely bewildered and have no idea which direction the series will take now.  This new development has thrown me and I actually find it wonderful.  Ms. Archer has removed the predictability that some series encounter and she has made me want the next story even the more.

Demon’s Bride is a remarkable historical paranormal that has a familiarity feel to it right along with an unpredictability too.  Zoe Archer has written an innovative novel that is sexy, beautiful and suspenseful.  

My review of the first book in the Hellraisers series:

Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Book Giveaway

Kensington is giving away one (1) copy of the first in the Hellraisers series!

Thank you to our sponsor - Kensington!  Be sure to friend them on Facebook and check out their website.  

You can also visit their Facebook app to find some great contests and excerpts, along with polls and quizzes about their books. The direct link to the apps are here:

http://bit.ly/xGzDj5 (Kensington)

http://bit.ly/xdiiXK (KTeen)

Happy Reading!!

Toni's Review of The Slayer by Theresa Meyers ***3 Stars***

Brothers Winchester, Remington, and Colt know the legends—they were trained from childhood to destroy demon predators, wielding the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It’s a devil of a job. But sometimes your fate chooses you… 

Chasing Trouble

Winn Jackson isn’t interested in hunting nightmares across the Wild West—even if it’s the family business. Unlike his rakehell brothers, Winn believes in rules. As sheriff of Bodie, California, he only shoots actual law breakers. That’s what he’s doing when he rescues the Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter, a lady with all the elegance of the Old World—grace, beauty and class. And then he sees her fangs.

Alexandra isn’t just some bloodsucking damsel in distress, though. She’s on a mission to save her people—and she’s dead certain that Winn’s family legacy is the only way. Luckily, aside from grace and class, she also has a stubborn streak a mile wide. So like it or not, Winn is going to come back with her to the mountains of Transylvania, and while he’s at it, change his opinions about vampires, demon-hunting, and who exactly deserves shooting. And if she has her way, he’s going to do his darnedest to save the world…

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The Jackson brothers are on a mission.  They may not believe the rumors that they are the prophesized Chosen, but they can’t let evil reign.  They need to find the three sections of the Book of Legend.  It will take recombining the Book to stop the archdemon lord, Rathe, from opening the Gates of Nyx, a portal between the human and Darkin realm.

Many years ago Winchester Jackson gave up hunting for the quiet life.  He prefers being the sheriff for Bodie over hunting down Darkin, the supernatural children of the night that prey on humans.  Things are heating up though and the Darkin are seeking out Winn.  All he wants is to be left alone, but when the Darkin want your help to stop their enemy, you tend to take notice. 

Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter has come to persuade Winchester to aid her people with finding the last third of the Book.  Vampires have guarded the Book for over six centuries and it has been stolen.  One would think they wouldn’t want or need the help of a hunter, but when their way of life and food supply are being threatened, they will do anything to stop the threat, including working with their sworn enemy. 

Winn and Alexandra’s adventure takes them around the world.  From the first moment they meet, they are attracted to each other.  Their attraction almost jumps off the pages.  While this book is very light on sex, it is filled with sexual tension.  These are two people, who should not want each other, but something is pulling them together and there seems to be nothing they can do about it. 

The Slayer may be book two in The Legend Chronicles, but personally I think it could be read anytime so far in the series.  The Hunter and The Slayer run simultaneously.  While The Hunter goes into a little more detail of the battle ahead, there is enough information in The Slayer, you won’t be lost.

I’m sorry to say, but I’m just not feeling this book 100%.  The story as a whole is good.  I love the idea, but something was missing.  Character development focused mainly on the two protagonists, leaving me wanting in regards to secondary characters and the villain.  In fact, the villain didn’t seem very villain-ish at all.  However, Rathe’s evil behavior does play a larger role in The Hunter.  He almost seemed like an afterthought in this book.  He loomed in the background and then once the showdown was upon us, it was just over. 

The ending is probably one of the most rushed I have ever read.  I was getting down to the last dozen pages thinking something was wrong.  It can’t be ending and then suddenly was resolved.  There was tons of build up and then a simple unfulfilling resolution.  This might be something that would be hard to remedy though.  All three brothers need to find their portion of the Book before there can be a conclusion.  I am not sure how it will all play out, but I am still interested in the outcome.

The more I think about it, I can see this series improving once all the books are written.  This would allow the reader to enjoy the books as one big novel.  The Slayer didn’t even have a cliffhanger.  It just left me hanging.  While it may appear that I don’t like the series, I really do.  It’s is action packed and the universe is fun to read about.  That is probably the genius of Ms. Meyers.  I am frustrated with this particular book, but the desire to know what is going to happen is pulling me in and holding on.  I believe this series is still a winner and I’m looking forward to Remington’s story, The Chosen.  It is scheduled for release March 2013.  There is also a rumor of a novella for the fun and funky inventor of the series, Marley Turlock.  It looks like it should be coming out late 2012, YAY!!

For my review of The Hunter, book one of The Legend Chronicles, click below:

Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Toni's Review of Shifting Hearts by Dominique Eastwick ***5 Stars***

The last of his kind…
Rekkus is the last of the great Black Tiger weres and he is happy to stay that way. Working as security for the Wiccan Haus, a magical spa for inner healing, he has enough danger – and women – to keep him busy. Unfortunately, the Fates are not content with him being comfortable.

Alone and discouraged…
Dana has walked away from all she has known, her fiancé, family, apartment, and job. Now, having a ticket to the Wiccan Haus may be the only way she can move on. But what she finds isn’t what she expects, nor is it what she thought she was looking for.

Meet the unusual residents of the Wiccan Haus. The staff can get a little hairy and not all of the guests eat what’s served in the dining hall. But the proprietors always do what they can to make the resort into a place of healing and peace, using all of their years of practice. At the Haus, where humans and Paras reside side-by-side, everyone in need of the Rowan siblings’ services are welcome.

WELCOME TO THE WICCAN HAUS.

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I have read quite a few books that combine resorts, paranormals and finding love. So far so good and I have enjoyed them all and love the idea. I really like the idea of the Wiccan Haus series. Welcome to a new form of healing and peace. Shifting Hearts is the first in the series and has set the bar high for rest of the series. 

Dana has probably just made the hardest decision of her life. While it was a mutual decision to not get married, she feels lost because she left her friend of many years and her family has disowned her because of the broken marriage. She also gave up her job and apartment to start a new life with him. Now she has nowhere to go and no one to be with. Jessie, her best friend, takes her away to the healing resort of Wiccan Haus. Dana needs time to lick her wounds and Jessie believes she just needs a good tumble in bed. She may just find both on the island.

Rekkus is the last of his kind. Though he has lost his family he has gained a new one with the Rowan siblings. His main focus is as bodyguard to Cyrus, but he is also head of security for the island. From the moment he meets Dana he knows what she is to him. Problem is that his past has left many scars he may not be able to get past. Fate has given him a gift, now all he needs is to be able to accept it.

Be warned. This is a no nonsense read. Ms. Eastwick gets right to the matter and gets things done. This is a short story, so the love and passion is instant and sizzling right from the beginning. The details are vivid, but not drawn out and the characters have depth, but she doesn’t mince words. Rekkus and Dana are meant to be together…period. I personally find nothing wrong with fast paced instant romance. They are a wonderful change of pace and a treasure to me. Sometimes I need a quick fix and this one delivers exactly what I needed. This series is going to be fun and engaging with an eclectic mix of characters and countless romantic possibilities.

I plan on enjoying this series from the beginning all the way to the end. I hope you join me. Come take a relaxing short vacation with me to the Wiccan Haus; where you will find inner peace, breathtaking magic and explosive romance.

Thanks for reading! - Toni

Be sure to check out other books from Dominique Eastwick at Musa Publishing. 

Also stop by:

Dominique Eastwick Blog 

The Wiccan Haus

Next in the Wiccan Haus series is:

Book Giveaway - Toni's Review for Hunted by Rebecca Zanetti ***4 Stars***

Ready Or Not

Moira Dunne is a witch—the quantum physics kind. Time and space are her playthings. Which might explain why her one-night stand from a hundred years ago has turned up to “claim” her—and request her family’s assistance with the war he’s brewing. But the more she learns about Connlan Kayrs, the more she comes to think this is normal behavior for him…

There’s Nowhere To Hide

When Conn and Moira tumbled on the moonlit grass, Conn hadn’t meant to mark her as his mate for all time. She was only twenty! But it wasn’t easy to wait for her. It was even harder to forget her. So when he finally returns for his wicked-hot witch, he’s ready to let the sparks flying. Even if he burns up in flames…

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I have been looking forward to this story from the very first time I found out about Conn and Moira.  Ms. Zanetti didn’t disappoint either!  Book three in the Dark Protector series is just as riveting as the first.

Over 100 years ago, their one night stand changed their destinies; they are mates.  Conn believed that he was doing what was best for her and their future by signing a treaty that would give her time to come into her powers.  What he doesn’t know is that that one act may have just closed her heart to him forever.

Moira knows that her body craves Conn and has done so since the very beginning.  What she can’t accept is his choice to walk away from her and leaving their love behind.  How can she trust his feelings if it took him this long to return to her?

Conn has spent the last 100 years in constant torment.  He walked away from his mate, but she was such a young woman and still had not experienced life.  Even though every breath he took, he was drawn to her, he had to hold strong to give her time.  He used his time wisely, honing his powers and learning all he could about his woman.  The time has come.  Now he wants what is rightfully his and he will do anything to have her.

War has erupted in the realm and allegiances are being tested.  There is also a new enemy so strong that they seem to be able to steal witches away without any trace.  Now may not be the best time to claim his mate, but Conn is not going to risk losing Moira to politics and petty bickering.  She is his main concern and he is determined to figure out what is happening.  The problem is, Moira has many secrets Conn didn’t know about, but he also has a few tricks up his sleeve.  These two are in for some shocking revelations.

Ms. Zanetti has done it again.  Her writing is strong and consistent and the plot is new and exciting.  I enjoyed seeing old friends and having the plotline move along and not be stagnant.  She has continued to write a solid story with engaging characters you what to know, enemies you fear but are captivated by and a universe that is fascinating and appealing.  She never gave any clues to who the bad guy or gal was and kept me planted in my seat until the very last page.

Bravo on keeping this series action packed, sexy hot and original.  I am looking forward to the continued adventures of the realm.  Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors series is a must read for me.  She has forever placed herself on my “Authors to Read” list.

Check out my review for Claimed, Book two in the Dark Protector series!

Thanks for reading! - Toni 

Exciting Update!!

I chatted with Kensington today and they are going to giveaway TWO books to two lucky winners!!  The great thing is they are going to be the first in the series - FATED to kick start your interest in the series.  I can definitely say this is a great series with maddening alpha males and equally strong women!!

Thank you to our sponsor - Kensington!  Be sure to friend them on Facebook and check out their website.  

You can also visit their Facebook app to find some great contests and excerpts, along with polls and quizzes about their books. The direct link to the apps are here:

http://bit.ly/xGzDj5 (Kensington)

http://bit.ly/xdiiXK (KTeen)

Also, head on over to Rebecca's website. She has a Facebook page too.

Happy Reading!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway All winning entries will be verified prior to notification. If your entry can not be easily verified a new winner will be selected. Winners will have 72 hours from initial email to confirm and respond or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Book Giveaway & Toni's Review of Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston ***5 Stars***

He's big, burly, and way smarter than your average shapeshifting bear. He's also about to get trapped by own his game. . .

Lou Crushek is a reasonable, mellow, easygoing kind of guy. But once someone starts killing the scumbags he works so hard to bust, that really gets under his fur. Especially when that someone is a curvy she-tiger with a skill set that's turning Crush's lone-bear world upside down--and bringing his passion out of hibernation. . .

As a member of an elite feline protection unit, Marcella Malone has no problem body-dropping anyone who hunts her kind. But Crush is proving one major pain in her gorgeous tail. The only reason she's joined forces with him is to track down the wealthy human who's got her entire species in his ruthless sights. It sure isn't because Crush's stubborn and contrary attitude is rubbing Cella in all the right ways.

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It had been awhile since I discovered Shelly Laurenston, so I had to do a bit of catching up and reacquainting myself to the storylines again.  I did a quick reread of the series and enjoyed every single morsel.  By the time I cracked this baby open, I was raring to go with a great big smile on my face.

There is just something about Ms. Laurenston’s humor.  Sometimes when you read a book the snarkiness or humor can grate on you, but I have never gotten tired of her writing style.  That really says something considering I had to read six books back to back and I still wanted and craved more, more, more.  I was practically gitty when I started Bear Meets Girl, number seven in her Pride series.  

While I was reading this series, I had a girlfriend having a really bad day.  I didn’t waste one second contemplating if I should share a little Shelly lovin’.  I gathered up my books to share with her so she could turn her frown upside down.  Ms. Laurenston does that for me every time with oodles of grins, giggles and lots of laugh out loud moments.

Someone is killing off their kind.  Hunting them down for sport and practically bragging about it.  All shifters need to band together to take this person down.  Not everyone likes to play nicely and tempers are easily flared.  From one problem to the next, Marcella and Lou’s attraction become apparent.  Their bond is forming no matter what they do, but together they are unstoppable.  Add in several of my other favorite characters from prior books and this book is a whirlwind of adventure and hilarity.

Bear Meets Girl is a wonderful story of opposites attracts.  Lou is your quiet loner, who is being forced to make a change he is very unhappy about and Marcella is an independent hellfire of a woman who would rather shot you than take you prisoner.  She is fun loving and loyal and not afraid to show it.  These two are combustible from the very beginning.  Marcella is merciless in her pursuit to bring Lou out of his mancave and Lou fought her the whole way.

Ms. Laurenston writes hot steamy romance, fun filled dialog, side-splitting scenes and kick butt characters.  With her strong wonderful females and masculine secure males, she keeps me coming back for more.  The action is intense and packed; the romance is sweltering and hot; and the plot is solid and adventurous.  She has a natural ability to write serious scenes right along with hilarious ones; her flow is smooth, funny and simply ingenious at times. 

Bear Meets Girl is a blast from the very first line to the last.  Ms. Laurenston has done it again.  She left me wanting more and loving every moment of it.  This is a wonderful addition to the series.

Thanks for reading!  - Toni

Yes, I have another book to giveaway!
It is an ARC of Bear Meets Girl

For your chance to win this book, how about I ask for recommendations from all you lovely readers.  This is a PN book obviously with a huge helping of laughter.  

What other funny PN books would you recommend to our readers and what makes them so wonderful? 


Contest will close April 21st at 11:59 Pacific time.  I will make it open to US/Canada Only.  I will be using Random.org to select a winner.  Please include your email address so I can contact you.  Please respond within 72 hours of the email I send or I will select another winner.

Don't forget to stop by Chelsea's review of Bear Meets Girl - just click on the book cover below!

In addition to this contest Kensington is also hosting another contest.  

Please check out the following:

We are running  a contest on Facebook "Like us to Enter For Your Chance To Win a Signed Copy of BIG BAD BEAST and a Personalized Letter From The Author!" Contest ends 4/30.   Head on over to Facebook via this link:  http://bit.ly/yCJ5z7

Don't forget to spread the word.  Happy Reading!!

Random Sequence Generator 

Here is your sequence: 

 1

Winner is Sharon!!  Congrats and I hope you enjoy!

Book Giveaway & Toni's Review of Eternity's Mark by Maeve Greyson ***3 Stars***

A sexy Scot. A mystical inheritance. What could go wrong?

Veterinarian Hannah MacPherson knows better than to believe in love at first - or any - sight. True, being swept away by Taggart de Gaelson to the vast Scottish castle she's mysteriously inherited is uber-romantic. The legacy is totally legitimate, and its messenger is big, broad-shouldered, and smokin' in more ways than one...

Too bad Taggart forgot to mention that Hannah's also a Guardian of magical dragons called the Draecna. And as Hannah's sworn otherworldly protector, Taggart is honor-bound not to lay a hand on her, no matter how close he gets...

But turning duty into pleasure is just too tempting. And for Hannah, mastering her powers and saving two worlds from evil will be way easier than showing one hardheaded warrior that breaking all the rules means they are eternally made for each other...

Excerpts

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Nothing beats a brand new adventure and then add in dragons, count me in.  Action, alternate worlds, undying love, a secret legacy and the beauty of Scotland are all wrapped up in Eternity’s Mark. 

Hannah has no idea that she is the last of her kind and is content to live out the remaining of her life in her small town.  She has lost the love of her life and has no plans to move on, no matter what the town plans.  They believe that it is time for her to move on and have plotted against her to help find a new love.  She scoffs at their foolish tactics and squashes every trick they pull.  She was not prepared for the likes of Taggart though.

Taggart de Gaelson has searched high and low for Hannah and will do everything but kidnap her to bring her back to her rightful home, Taroc Na Mor.  After meeting the tiny woman and dealing with her, he is reevaluating his grand plan.  She is strong willed and stubborn, but he hasn’t lived as long as he has to let this little spitfire ruin his plans and the future of his people.  Let the battle of wills begin.

Eternity’s Mark has a totally new feel for me.  It had simplicity to it, yet the details of the world building were imaginative and striking.  The story was complex as a whole but while reading Eternity’s Mark I was never confused or lost.  Ms. Greyson has developed a fascinating new universe filled with fantastical creatures built around a beautiful and imaginative legend.

This is an extremely easy read.  While the romance had a strong presence in the story, the history of the Draecna is what caught my attention.  This is by no means an explicit sexual novel.  Ms. Greyson has written a sensual love story that captures your heart.  It is a very sweet touching tale.

I did find some of the conclusions in the story too quickly resolved with “aha” moments that had me scratching my head thinking “how in the world did they come up with that”.  The foundation of the story was strong, but it just missed something to bring it on up to the next level for me.  

Eternity’s Mark is a good story to read if you want something sweet and entertaining.  A very pleasant read, with sexy Scotsmen, an amazing alternate world and a break your heart love story.  Oh yeah and dragons too! 


Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Book Giveaway!!

I have an extra copy from Kensington and I'm going to give it away to one lucky person.

I'm going to be a bit mean this time.  Hey, I'm paying for the postage *snickers*.  There are three easy things you can do to earn entries, but I have devised a little extra for additional entries.  They really are not hard, just a bit of reading/watching involved.

Good luck and I can't wait to see your responses!

Book Giveaway & Toni's Review of Fever by Joan Swan ***4.5 Stars***

When Dr. Alyssa Foster is taken hostage by a prison inmate, she knows she's in deep trouble. Not just because Teague Creek is desperate for freedom, but because the moment his fingers brush against her skin, Alyssa feels a razor-sharp pang of need...

A man with a life sentence has nothing to lose. At least Teague doesn't, until his escape plan develops a fatal flaw: Alyssa. On the run from both the law and deadly undercover operatives, he can only give her lies, but every heated kiss tells him the fire between them could be just as devastating as the flames that changed him forever... 

Read an excerpt

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I’m going to start this review a bit differently. A lot of people don’t give this book a chance because of racial slurs and downright ugly language. Yes, this book has those factors in it, but it is not the book. The individual who talks like that doesn’t last long. This is NOT his story. It’s an unpleasant reality that there are people out there that still think and talk like this, but like I said…It is a reality. I have to give kudos to the author for not sugar coating the truth no matter how objectionable it is.

Teague had it all once upon a time. A loving wife, a beautiful child and a career he enjoyed immensely. One tragic event changed his life forever, unbeknown to him. From that moment on, his life took a downhill plummet. He has lost nearly everything and now he has nothing left to lose. Determined to take back the one thing that is most precious in his life; he takes a chance and breaks out of prison. Now all he has to do is reach his final goal and to hell with everyone in his way.

Dr. Alyssa Foster is having a really tough day. Exhausted and beat, she has no idea she just entered a storm. Now she is being held captive by two men; one who does nothing but hate her for living and the other that confuses her all the way down to her toes. No matter what, she must survive. She has too much to live for and she has worked too hard to let these men ruin her life.

Things don’t look promising for these escapees. If they are not fighting among themselves, they have gangs, the police and an unknown entity after them. They are running out of time and things are not looking better but worse.

This is one high octane ride! Fever is sexy, dark, mysterious and kick-butt. I loved the chemistry between Teague and Alyssa. She is one smart cookie and she doesn’t take any crap. Their adventure is definitely a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

In her blurb about herself, Ms. Swan mentions that she writes romance suspense with a paranormal twist. I would agree. While this story is NOT a paranormal romance, it does have a different element/feel to it. I would have to compare it to Spiderman, if you will. Parker got bit by the radioactive spider and now he has these amazing abilities. I know it’s kind of geekish of me to compare it like that, but that is the best comparison that I could come up with. So there is no supernatural in this book, just the unnatural. This is romance with a little extra edge. It works - trust me!

Heck, if you don’t pick up the book for the cover alone, I would have to question your sanity, just kidding. Fever really is a great read. Full of suspense and action, but tender loving moments that steamed up my glasses. If Ms. Swan is making this a series, I’m on board and will be in line for the next installment. I loved her voice and she knows how to write hot sexy romance with clever dialog. These are all bonuses in my view. Great job and well done!!

Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Book Giveaway!!

I have an extra copy from the publisher and I'm going to give it away to a lucky poster.

Since I had a geek moment in the review, I think I will ask a geeky question or two.  So to qualify for the giveaway please answer one or both of the following questions, along with your email address so I can contact the winner:

Who is your favorite super/action hero and WHY?
If you could have a secret ability, what would it be and WHY?

This giveaway will close on April 8th at 11:59pm.  Open to US & Canada only. 

Good luck and I can't wait to see your responses!

Random Sequence Generator

Here is your sequence:

2

Winner is: Wolf_girl 

I hope you enjoy this cover oops, I mean book! ~Toni

Toni's Review of My Lord Vampire by Alexandra Ivy ***3.5 Stars***

THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 2003 UNDER AUTHOR NAME DEBBIE RALEIGH

In the first of a mesmerizing trilogy, Alexandra Ivy, author of the Guardians of Eternity series, introduces the Immortal Rogues—three vampires duty-bound to protect their own kind even as they fall prey to mortal desires. . .

Centuries have passed since Gideon Ravel dwelled among humans. Now he must infiltrate the cream of London society to earn the trust of one woman. Simone, Lady Gilbert, possesses an amulet of unimaginable power, and no concept of the threat that surrounds her. The ton's gossip prepared him for her beauty and wit. But he is blindsided by her barely disguised sensuality and his growing need to possess her. . . 

None of the idle aristocrats who vie for Simone's attentions know about her past. To them, she is the sophisticated, worldly widow known as the "Wicked Temptress." The truth would ruin her, and she has never been tempted to reveal it until now. Yet beneath Gideon's bold, black-eyed stare is a hunger that demands satisfaction and complete surrender. . .and a secret far more dangerous than her own. . .

********************

This is a sweet story with a little bite.

Vampires left the human realm almost two hundred years ago for the Veil. The Veil is a place where vampires can live in peace. In the Veil, they have no fear of being hunted and they are no longer slaves to their primal hungers. Now traitors are threatening their calm existence. Gideon must cross back over to the human realm to find a maiden who has unknowingly been entrusted with a portion of the medallion that protects the Veil. He must not let the medallion fall into their hands, at all costs.

Gideon is an ideal vampire; confident, arrogant and sexy. He starts his quest with a conceit that gets blown out of the water. Vampires believe they are more intellectual and have a sense of superiority. Gideon brings that persona with him when he returns to the human realm. While he continues with his supremacy view of himself throughout most of the novel you can see Simone chipping away at his perceptions.

Simone, Simone, Simone…What to say about her? She had a quiet strength, but there were many times I wished she would grow a spine and stand up for herself. I will concede though, that considering the period that the novel takes place in, she was much stronger than most. Ms. Ivy didn’t fall into the trap of making her a woman of that era, stronger than they really were. But like I said my modern self had troubles with that simply because of my makeup and had nothing really to do with the book.

Gideon and Simone’s romance is hot, but in a sweet way. This book does not have explicit sex scenes, but their attraction is well described. I found myself pleasantly surprised. While the plot was not “grab your britches” enthralling, it was a nice change of pace. It had moments of greatness and I can’t wait for Lucien and Sebastian’s tales.

If you are trying to figure out what the hype is all about, in regards to paranormal novels, My Lord Vampire might be a good starter book for you. It had more of a historical feeling to it, so you are not inundated with alternate realities and monsters. Ms. Ivy didn’t saturate the novel with vampire lore, but I do have to say that I wish she would have explained her vision of vampires more. She has developed a unique universe and I hope to learn a bit more about it in the next book.

The next novel: My Lord Eternity is scheduled to be release late 2012 and I can’t wait to see what is in store next for these Immortal Rogues.

Thanks for reading!  - Toni

GUEST AUTHOR POST & GIVEAWAY - Romancing the Wolf by Terry Spear

Romancing the Wolf

By Terry Spear

Wolves don’t need to be romanced. Did you know that? They don’t need to be wined and dined and given Valentine’s Day cards, or taken on honeymoons, or…

At least that’s what Meara says when Finn tells her he’s not a romantic kind of guy. But you see, there’s romance and there’s ROMANCE.

Which would you prefer? A man who takes you out dancing and out to dinners, but when he wrecks the car and breaks your ankle, he leaves you sitting in the hospital waiting to see a doctor, alone, because…he felt so badly about it? True story, my mother’s when she was in her twenties and the guy was her fiancé. End of relationship. What would happen if after they married, she got pregnant, she wondered. He’d run off after dumping her at the hospital because he felt so badly that he caused it and she was in pain again?

So definitely, there’s got to be more to a relationship then just the dating scene. The guy can’t run off and leave the heroine at the first sign of danger.

Shooting starts, Finn tackles Meara to the floor, loses his towel, and his naked body is pressed against her clothed one. Meets criteria of protecting heroine?

Check.

He has to be willing to take risks for the heroine. They’re being tailed, he’s thinking her clothing is bugged, he gives her much more than a once over…searching for the bugs, and she’s thinking he’d better find one or else. Wolfishly heroic?

Check.

She’s hungry, he fixes her a steak on the grill, moonlit night on the beach, but it doesn’t stop there…he makes her s’mores, because she has a love for all that chocolaty marshmallowy graham cracker delight, and he loves to see her enjoy them. It’s not about him and what he’d love, but about her and what she’d love. Sitting in a crowded restaurant isn’t half as romantic as this getaway with him, while danger lurks everywhere. Romantic?

Check.

Wolves are territorial. It doesn’t matter if some other wolf might be trying to help Finn out with protecting Meara. There are wolf rules that need to be honored. You don’t break into a safe house and fix yourself a cup of coffee, but it’s more than that. It’s the fact that Bjornolf (pronounced Bee-your-nulf), might be scoping out your she-wolf, and that’s not going to be allowed. Bjornolf doesn’t even know what hit him, Finn’s so fast to react and set the rules. Some wolves are too stubborn to take a hint though. Protective?

Check.

Finn had arrived to protect both Hunter and Meara from the threat to the SEAL team after having contacted the other members of their team. But Meara’s the only one who’s on her own, and fearing she’ll be targeted to get to her brother, Finn is determined to see her safe. Even though he’s way over qualified for a wolf-sitting job. Loyal?

Check.

Bedtime can be a whole ‘nother experience. Things are getting way too hot between Meara and Finn, when they both know this isn’t a good idea, so she opts to sleep on the couch. He doesn’t want her that far away when he’s supposed to be protecting her. She places pillows between them. There’s not enough room for him on the bed. The pillows go on the floor. Decisive when decisions are important?

Check.

Okay, so alpha wolves are hot and live by different rules in our society, but who wouldn’t want to be romanced by a SEAL like Finn??? Sure, you might not get a Valentine’s Day card, and he might balk about a honeymoon, but the showers you share can make up for it all… SEALs LOVE the water.

Hope you enjoyed a romp with a SEAL-wolf, who, by his own admission, doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body, but his actions tell a whole different story.

Yum.

Terry Spear

“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male where fantasy IS reality.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry Spear has written over a dozen paranormal romance novels and two medieval Highland historical romances. An award-winning author, Terry’s Heart of the Wolf  was named a Publishers Weekly’s Best Book of the Year in 2008. A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry Spear is a librarian by day and spends every spare moment writing paranormal romance as well as historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas, where she is working on new paranormal romances! For more information, please visit http://www.terryspear.com/.

You can also visit Terry at:

Facebook

www.terryspear.com

Myspace

Terry's Blog

Twitter

The new exciting addition to Terry's Heart of the Wolf series is A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing

Available NOW!!!!

With the ultimate alpha male hero-werewolf Finn Emerson, Navy SEAL-bestselling author Terry Spear ratchets up the heat in the new installment in her hugely popular paranormal romance series. 

Meara Greymere is in charge of the cabin rentals on the rugged Oregon coastline, so her brother and his mate could take a delayed honeymoon. But while Hunter is away, the she-wolf intends to play—she just has to convince the right alpha male to rent one of the cabins, and she’ll take it from there. But when Finn Emerson arrives with every intention of pretending to be her lover, she's not going to take this lying down. She knows he'll tell her brother what she's up to and put an end to her game.

Finn Emerson is an ex-Navy SEAL, formerly one of Hunter Greymere’s team members, and now he's trying to track down a gray wolf, who's already made an attempt on one of their team member's lives. Finn believes Hunter will be targeted next, only to discover Hunter is off with his mate on a honeymoon, and he fears Hunter’s sister is in grave danger. But the former SEAL soon learns protecting the unpredictable sexy she-wolf is a mission and a half and protecting her isn’t all he wants to do.

Heart of the Wolf Series
Shown in reading order
Printable List of all of Terry's Books

GIVEAWAY!!

We are so excited here at Paranormal Addicts!!  Sourcebooks is offering TWO copies of A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing for this giveaway.  So that means there will be Two lucky winners!!

Paranormal Addicts would like to thank Terry Spear and Sourcebooks for being so generous with their time and prizes.  Please checkout their websites, they both have great books to offer!

To enter:  Answer this question:  How do you like to be romanced?

To earn additional entries:  These are not mandatory, but do increase your odds of winning.

• Become a Fan on Terry's Goodread page
• Follow Paranormal Addicts Facebook Page
• Follow Paranormal Addicts on Twitter
• "Like" this blog post
• Twitter about this contest daily

Toni's Review of Curses! A F**ked Up Fairy Tale by JA Kazimer ***5 Stars***

I’m no hero. In fact, up until a couple of days ago, I was the villain. Kidnapped maidens, scared kids, stole magic tchotchkes—until I got into a little scrape with the union. Now I’m cursed with the worst fate in New Never City—no matter what I do, I gotta be nice.

So when a head-case princess named Asia barges into my apartment and asks me to find out who whacked her stepsister, Cinderella, I have no choice but to help her. And I’m more than willing to head back to her parents’ castle and do some investigating if it means I can get into her black leather cat suit. Except this twisted sister has a family nutty enough to send the Biggest Baddest Wolf running for the hills—and a freaky little curse of her own...

******************

First off you really need to watch this skit from Saturday Night Live - The Real Housewives of Disney.  I got this clip off Kazimer's website and let me just say that it really sums up this tale and what you can look forward to with this series.

Also there is a great blog about what is going on in the kingdom, check out:  The New Never News

This has been one of the best stories that I have read in a long time.  If you like your fairytales with butterflies and charming princes this story is not for you.  Welcome to the dark side of fairytales!

Cinderella has just been murdered and her ugly stepsister, Asia, wants to know why.  Things are not what they appear though and she hires RJ to find out what really happened to Cinderella.  To start things off, Asia doesn’t know that RJ is not who she thinks he is.  He is a villain on medical leave.  But what is a villain to do when he is broke and a hot sexy woman asks for your help and all he wants to do is help her get out of her skintight outfit? Help the poor girl, of course.  Their investigation takes them from one end of the kingdom to the other.  No one can be trusted, because everyone is a suspect.

I was snorting and laughing so hard while I was reading that I may have actually had an accident.  This story is so demented and twisted that only the truly sick of minds will appreciate it.  Well that is not true; anyone with a solid sense of humor will devour it, but be prepared to be shocked and awestruck.

Kazimer is a brilliant writer who took a simple sweet tale and made it her own.  Her sense of humor is almost scary at times and you wonder if she was sober when she wrote Curses.  Someone asked me what I was reading and I told them it was a story about fairytales on crack or a really bad acid trip.  They laughed and of course asked for the title. 

Curses is definitely an adult read and I’m so excited that she is continuing with the F**ked Up Fairytale series.  She has dumped my views of classic fairytales on their collective butts and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for me.  There are countless characters that you loved as a child, but told in such an innovative light that you soon forget how they once were and embrace the new, and in some cases improved characters. 

Curses! A F**ked Up Fairytale is a breath of fresh air; well not really, it is more like a hallucinogenic haze, but if you want the trip of your life – take a really deep breathe because trust me this is one trippy ride.

Thanks for reading! - Toni

Toni's Review of Blood and Bullets by James R. Tuck ***3.5 Stars***

He lives to kill monsters. He keeps his city safe. And his silver hollow-points and back-from-the-dead abilities help him take out any kind of supernatural threat. But now an immortal evil has this bad-ass bounty hunter dead in its sights…

Ever since a monster murdered his family, Deacon Chalk hunts any creature that preys on the innocent. So when a pretty vampire girl “hires” him to eliminate a fellow slayer, Deacon goes to warn him—and barely escapes a vampire ambush. Now he’s got a way-inexperienced newbie hunter to protect and everything from bloodsuckers to cursed immortals on his trail. There’s also a malevolent force controlling the living and the undead, hellbent on turning Deacon’s greatest loss into the one weapon that could destroy him…

*******************

Monsters need not apply!  Deacon Chalk lost everything the night his entire family was killed by your kind.  Now with nothing left to lose, he lives to hunt you.  He is a bounty hunter with a little extra, and that little extra is going to take you down.

Deacon is one big strong scary looking man.  Humans and monsters alike fear him.  He is a no nonsense man that protects the innocent.  After losing his family, he changed completely.  He closed his tattoo parlor and opened a strip club.  It’s not your normal strip club either.  All employees have been touched by the evil of monsters and now they are a family.  Brought together by circumstances that was out of their control.  Deacon may be the head of this ragtag group, but he works alone.  

Now there is a new force in town; one that even has the monsters looking over their shoulders.  From the first strike to the last, Deacon will not stop until it has been destroyed.  Even if it the last thing he ever does.

This is urban fantasy that takes no prisoners.  The monsters are evil and must be stopped, PERIOD, and Deacon is the perfect hero to do it.  Blood and Bullets is a story told in Deacon’s point of view.  He has a very strong personality and voice, but you can feel his pain and commitment coming through.  This is a man with a mission and you best stay the heck out of his way.  My favorite line in the book is; “And vampires never sparkle unless they just ate a stripper.”  I literally cracked up.  It was just perfect.

I enjoyed reading about Deacon and his kick-butt crew.  These characters live in an ugly world, but they have each other and will die to protect it.  The action is intense and messy.  I like to get down and dirty and Blood and Bullets is just the book to take me there. 

I liked the gritty and dark feeling to the story and the razor sharp edge.  While Mr. Tuck was repetitive at times in regards to explanations of guns, cars and such; I still found the overall story well written and exciting.  Now that the world building is done, he can blow us away with his dark take of the underworld.

Blood and Bullets is a great start to a new series.  I can see great potential in this series and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Thanks for reading! - Toni

GUEST BLOG - April Fifer & Danielle Hylton-Outland

Paranormal Addicts welcomes Authors April & Danielle!!

Author Bio’s


Danielle Hylton-Outland was raised in Virginia. She grew up having a huge appetite for daydreaming; always wanting to live in the spectacular worlds she created in her mind. She now lives with her husband and dog where she is pursuing a degree in literature. Danielle is a strong animal activist. She is currently co-writing the second book in the Flesh Series, "Flesh and Flames".

April Fifer grew up in a small town in Virginia, where it was common practice believing that dreams could only be found in stories. At the age of seven she was diagnosed with dyslexia. She was told that she would struggle through life and would never pick up a book to read for pleasure. Although school was hard, she was able to find her way with the help of two teachers who taught her self-discovery. Ignoring what she was taught growing up, she turned it around and found that your dreams could become stories.

Contact Information:

 Author's Website

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Blog

Facebook

Buy "Flesh and Feathers" Today

RELEASE DATE:  March 31st 


Azaleigh's life is simple until, by chance, she meets Kale.  Charming and handsome Az is immediately drawn to him. But long kept secrets lurk in the hearts of those Az holds most dear, and dangerous plans are unfolding around her.  As her life begins to crumble and Kale disappears, Gage, charismatic and striking, arrives, providing a calm port in an increasingly violent storm.  But with every narrow escape from a far from human bounty hunter after her life, Az begins to unravel a secret with the power to change her forever.  In an increasingly hostile world of Angel and Fallen, Azaleigh must navigate her own path, chose her own side, and ultimately protect her heart.  Faced with two gorgeous men, an enemy she doesn’t know, and a future she cannot understand, Az must make the choice: the man she loves, or the man she cannot live without.

Excerpt

We arrived at the lounge, which was tucked away and hidden from the city. It was easily the most romantic and seductive place I had ever been. A live band played a soft, slow ballad as we were seated.

We ate dinner, and the conversations were short; neither of us divulged too much information. Yet, it was an intriguing encounter I didn't want to end.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked. I assumed the hardwood square in the center of the room was set up as a dance floor, but no one was on it.

"No one's really dancing," I said, hoping this would discourage him from asking again.

He pulled me to my feet, and in that instant an alluring sound began to play, and the words crooned were so tempting I gave in. Kale led me to the floor and pressed his body to mine. My head barely met the middle of his chest, and I gazed up at him, transfixed by his eyes. The words of the song overwhelmed me with each provocative verse, as though they were meant for only me. Kale emanated an essence that threatened to consume my body. I closed my eyes.  His left hand, pressed against the small of my back moving me slowly and gently in sync with him. He used his right hand to trail a finger from the corner of my eye and down my cheek to my chin and then my collarbone, expanding his whole palm over my shoulder. I felt tiny and fragile but safe and secure. "You're beautiful," he said, astonishing me.

I opened my eyes, and saw all of the shades of blue that made his eyes so brilliant. They twisted and interlocked, creating the most vibrant color. He leaned towards me, and my legs grew weak. He held my gaze, and I wanted so badly to look away; this was not something I was ready for.

Finally, his lips were within an inch of mine. I forced my eyes closed as he whispered, "Azaleigh." He pressed his lips zealously to mine. With each supple kiss a surge of heat rushed through me. His hands reached up, cupping my jaw on each side, holding me in place. His last kiss gently pulled at my top lip and softly let go. He lingered inches from my face. I stood there with my eyes closed, too petrified to open them. His thumb brush across my cheek reassuringly. I couldn't speak. I was afraid my words would dissolve the moment and I would never get the magic back. But like all great things, the end was inevitable.

"It's getting late. I should take you home." His words broke the silence I had dared not to break myself.

Paranormal Addicts would like to thank April and Danielle for stopping by.